Discover the Magic of Hot Springs, Arkansas: A Comprehensive Guide to the City’s World-Famous Hot Springs, Spas, and Historical Attractions (2024)

Hot Springs is a city located in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. Known for its thermal springs, Hot Springs have been a popular destination for tourists for over 200 years. The beautiful scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities here are truly endless. In addition, the rich history and the healing benefits of the hot springs make it a hot spot for people across Arkansas and beyond. Explore the several historic sites or hop on from museums to galleries; entertainment possibilities here are endless.

Hot Springs today has a thriving arts and cultural scene, including a variety of museums and art galleries. The highlight of this Arkansas city is the Hot Springs National Park featuring over 40 natural hot springs. It is, in fact, the only national park in the world dedicated to thermal waters. The city also houses several lakes and offers plenty of water sports and fishing opportunities. Whether you’re interested in history, the arts, or outdoor recreation, there is something for everyone in Hot Springs.

Discover the Magic of Hot Springs, Arkansas: A Comprehensive Guide to the City’s World-Famous Hot Springs, Spas, and Historical Attractions

Here is the guide featuring all the Popular Things To Do and Places To Explore in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Have a look:

World-Famous Hot Springs to Check out in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park

Dedicated to the preservation of natural thermal springs, the Hot Springs National Park is the oldest park in the National Park Service. For over 200 years, the National park has been valued for its beauty, uniqueness, and history. In fact, the Hot Springs National Park is the major reason why travelers become drawn towards the city of Hot Springs and Arkansas State.

The National Park is home to 40 Hot Springs/ Thermal Springs. Each of these springs is fed by water that rises from the earth’s surface and is heated by geothermal energy. Every spring features a bathhouse where visitors can come for therapeutic treatments, massages, and hot mineral baths.

Here are some of the most popular thermal springs in Hot Springs National Park:

1. Buckstaff Bathhouse: This historic bathhouse was built back in 1912. It is one of the few remaining bathhouses in the park that still offers traditional hot mineral baths.
2. Quapaw Baths & Spa: This modern bathhouse offers a variety of spa treatments, including hot mineral baths, massages, and body treatments.
3. The Grand Promenade: This scenic walkway winds through the park and offers views of the hot springs and the surrounding mountains.
4. The Hot Springs Pool: This historic pool is one of the most popular spots in the park, featuring a large hot springs pool where visitors can soak and relax.

Other Popular Things To Do In Hot Springs National Park

The Hot Springs National Park isn’t just known for its Thermal Springs but a lot of other offerings as well. The park boasts 26 miles of trails offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes and immense hiking opportunities. Visitors can involve in hiking, fishing, nature walking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, camping, and boating. The National Park is also home to several historic sites, landmarks, and a museum.

Popular Spas in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs have been a relaxing destination for centuries. This Arkansas city is known for its spa culture and offers a wide range of spa experiences for visitors to enjoy. Here are some Spa and Wellness Centers (other than natural thermal springs) in Hot Springs that you must check out.

1. The Spa at The Waters: This luxurious Hot Springs’ spa offers a relaxing and rejuvenating environment. The services it offers include a variety of massages, body treatments, facials, and others. Their luxurious treatment rooms, tranquil lounge area, and high-quality, natural products make every experience enjoyable here. After a hectic day, it is the perfect place to escape and rejuvenate.
2. Living Wellness Day Spa: This full-service day spa offers a range of spa treatments and services associated with wellness, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The spa center specializes in massage therapy, deep tissue massage, couple massage, facials, day spa, Thai massage, and neuromuscular therapy. Besides its premium spa setup, the facility also features a peaceful outdoor garden where guests can relax and unwind. The yoga session here is quite asked for.
3. Thai-Me Spa: It is the best spa facility in Hot Springs. Thai-Me offers a full-service spa and a range of services blending with traditional Thai techniques. The traditional Thai-style treatment rooms and a peaceful outdoor garden bring lots of relaxation to the environment. Their expert therapists introduce visitors to the art of healing through massage and food.
4. Hot Springs Garden Home Spa: The ultimate landmark of calmness and serenity, this spa in Hot Springs is a must-visit. The spa is nestled close to the downtown in a cute little renovated historic house. Services here range from deep tissue, hot stone, Swedish, and Thai massage to body treatments and facials. The couple’s massage in a candlelit room is quite a popular draw here. The spa center also offers herbal footbaths, prenatal massage, and reflexology.

Popular Historical Attractions in Hot Springs, Arkansas

1. Hot Springs Mountain Tower

Established back in 1982-1983, the Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a heritage landmark in the city. This 216-foot tall tower is built of lattice steel and is a popular tourist spot today.

Climbing atop the tower, one can observe breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, Lake Hamilton, and the city of Hot Springs. The Mountain Tower features a modern design and allows visitors to take in the surrounding beauty regardless of the weather conditions. This sky-soaring tower, however, is the third to stand on the mountain. Earlier the mountain was home to a 19th-century 75-foot wooden observatory which was burned to the ground by lightning. Later during the early 20th century (in 1906), a wireless tower (Rix Tower) was relocated here from the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition.

2. The Ohio Club

Established in 1905, the Ohio Club is one of Arkansas’s oldest continuously operating bars. The club has been known for its ties to prohibition-era gangsters and politicians during the 1920s. It is where gangsters like Al Capone, Bugsy Segal, Babe Ruth, Mae West, Al Jolsen, and several politicians and notable people gathered upon their visits to Hot Springs. This historic bar and restaurant still continue to serve and remind us of the city’s rich history and colorful past. The vintage décor and much of the original character keep the club in discussion amongst locals and visitors. The unending menu of Alcoholic drinks and award-winning food here is definitely to try. The club also hosts live music and special events, flaunting itself as a lively and entertaining venue.

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hot Springs, Arkansas

1. Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens is a large 210 acres botanical garden in Hot Springs. This outdoor landmark is home to flower gardens, water gardens, native woodlands, and several nature trails. In addition, the Gardens house numerous species of plants and trees, mainly the ones native to the Ozark region. Nature lovers and recreation seekers choose it as a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. In addition to the vast green spaces, the Garvan Woodland Gardens also features several architectural structures, including a chapel, cascading streams, Asian-inspired bridges, and several other bridges. These gardens are popular spots for activities like picnics, bird watching, and nature photography.

2. Ouachita National Forest

Ouachita National Forest is a popular tourist destination in Hot Springs. This 1.8 million acres National Forest body is an entity of central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. The vast natural landscape near Hot Springs is known for its scenic beauty, including the Ouachita Mountains and the Talimena Scenic Drive. Travelers visiting here can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-road vehicle riding, kayaking, and canoeing. It is also a popular wildlife viewing region, and one can spot black bears, white-tailed deer, and turkeys. Ouachita National Forest is also home to several developed campgrounds and picnic areas.

3. Gangster Museum of America

The Gangster Museum of America is dedicated to preserving the history of organized crime in America. This museum in Hot Springs is home to a variety of exhibits, including original artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays. Many exhibits here notorious spotlight gangsters such as Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Bonnie and Clyde. A visit to the museum also introduces individuals to the notorious gangster past of the city. How Hot Springs became a haven during the Prohibition era is quite well explained here. Visitors can even try their hand in the antique casino. This educational and entertaining isn’t ideal for kids, but adults must definitely check it out.

4. Superior Bathhouse Brewery

The Superior Bathhouse Brewery is a brewery cum restaurant in Hot Springs. The Brewery is housed inside the 1916 historic Superior Bathhouse, which was a popular thermal spring facility. Today it serves a variety of handcrafted beers along with a menu of pub-style food. The Brewery features both indoor and outdoor seating where visitors can enjoy a restored original appearance, along with a unique blend of history and modern amenities. Beer lovers must check out their tasting flights of 4 (or 18) craft beers inside the tasting room. Superior Bathhouse Brewery is an ideal place to gather with friends and family.

5. Anthony Chapel

Anthony Chapel is one of Hot Springs’ most unique attractions. The Chapel features otherworldly architectural design and is a highlight in Garvan Woodland Gardens. This stunning structure is made entirely of glass and steel in a very modern design. Its cross-beams and colossal wooden columns holding glass windows and ceiling is a wonder to watch. The glass spread on all sides reveals the sky and trees above, making it a very delightful attraction to checkout. The Chapel can accommodate up to 200 guests, and it is a popular venue for weddings, events, and shoots. If not for events or weddings, one can also use Anthony Chapel on regular days.

6. The Grand Promenade

The Grand Promenade is a historic boardwalk located in Hot Springs. The Promenade runs along the base of Hot Springs Mountain and offers stunning city views. It is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. The entire Promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions. It also features several historic bathhouses that today operate as museums and visitor centers. The Promenade is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenic beauty of Hot Springs. Tourists also choose it as their go-to spot for photography, picnicking, and people-watching. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing walk, a bite to eat, or a glimpse into the city’s rich history, the Grand Promenade is a must-visit destination.

7. Lake Ouachita

Lake Ouachita is a huge human-made lake, an hour’s drive from downtown Hot Springs. The Lake covers over 40,000 acres and is a popular boating, fishing, and water sports destination. The surrounding Ouachita National Forest provides this humungous Lake with a stunning natural backdrop. Lake Ouachita features several marinas, boat launches, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Fishing is a popular activity on Lake Ouachita, with a variety of species, including black bass, catfish, and crappie. In addition, there is a set of three natural springs, the Three Sisters Springs, on the Lake’s shoreline. These natural springs are known for curing different ailments.

8. Arkansas Alligator Farm

The Arkansas Alligator Farm has been a wildlife park and a privately owned zoo since 1902. The farm is home to a large collection of alligators, other reptiles, and animals like snakes, lizards, and turtles. Visitors can watch the alligators in their natural habitats. The farm also offers educational exhibits and shows for a glimpse into the lives and behaviors of Alligators. The park is popular with families, school groups, and tourists. In addition to viewing the alligators, visitors can also take a guided tour of the park and participate in hands-on educational programs. Or when at Arkansas Alligator Farm shop for souvenirs in the park’s gift shop. It is an exciting place to check out in Hot Springs for anyone interested in wildlife and nature.